A client from Owings Mills recently contacted the Westminster Speed and Sound team to ask about a stereo system upgrade for their 2022 BMW X3. Factory-installed BMW sound systems aren’t known for their output capabilities or low-frequency performance. After a discussion with the client, we knew that a new DSP-equipped amplifier, speakers and premium woofers would bring their music to life. Let’s take a closer look at the work our team completed.
DSP Amplifier Upgrade
The heart of the audio upgrade for this BMW X3 was a Match UP8DSP amplifier. Our team removed the factory-installed amp and mounted the new unit in place. This new amp can produce up to 65 watts of power from its main channels and 160 watts from the seventh and eighth channels to power subwoofers. Given the amp’s power capabilities, we ran new wiring directly to the battery to ensure maximum efficiency.
More importantly, the amp has a built-in digital signal processor. The DSP allows us to fine-tune the output of each channel and, subsequently, each speaker in the vehicle to perfect the sound. We can apply delays to the speakers closest to the driver to improve imaging and staging. Finally, we can fine-tune the balance of the system to ensure vocals and instruments sound natural and detailed.
The amp is wired using a Match adapter harness specific to BMW vehicles. We used a pair of channels to power the door speakers, another pair for the stock rear speakers, and one for the center speaker in the dash. The aforementioned subwoofer channels power the new Helix woofers.
BMW Speaker Replacement
With the amp in place, we focused on the X3’s speakers. We started with a Helix i7-Series four-inch midrange driver and a matching 0.75-inch tweeter for each door. We added passive crossover networks in each door to divide audio information between the mid and tweeters.
Next, we turned our attention to the under-seat woofers. We removed the stock woofers to make way for a set of Helix i5-Series eight-inch units. We installed a new woofer in the stock enclosures under the driver and passenger seats. These new woofers provide the warmth and impact the stock system was missing.
Baltimore’s BMW Audio Upgrade Experts
With the new speakers in place, we used our RTA microphone to fine-tune the audio system to our house target curve. Once the calibration was complete, we listened to the system to ensure it sounded magnificent.
The client returned to Westminster Speed and Sound, anxious to hear the audio system upgrade. After only a few seconds, he had a massive smile on his face. If your BMW’s sound system doesn’t excite you to listen to your favorite music, stop by our store and chat with a member of our award-winning team. If you can’t get here during regular business hours, give us a call or send us an e-mail using our contact form. We’ll get back to you as quickly as possible.
[127778]
Leave a Reply